Lucy Vodden, who provided the inspiration for the Beatles' classic
song "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," has died after a long battle with
lupus. She was 46.

Her death was announced Monday by St. Thomas' Hospital in
London, where she had been treated for the chronic disease for more
than five years, and by her husband, Ross Vodden. Britain's Press
Association said she died last Tuesday. Hospital officials said they
could not confirm the day of her death.

Mrs. Vodden's connection to the Beatles dates back to her early
days, when she made friends with schoolmate Julian Lennon, John
Lennon's son.